Oh, sorry I didn't answer that part of your post / I've never tried to touch it - slime coat and all that, but I will try to observe if it wiggles or if it's stiff like a fin. I've seen him swim and it doesn't seem to move around too much, but I will make it my mission to observe it here on the weekend - among other things! But it definitely is growing.

EDIT: To be honest, I touch my bettas quite frequently. I think just this once will be okay but if you are worried, you can always add extra Stress Coat to his tank to help him replace whatever he may lose.

OK, I'll try the touching thing. I wonder who'll be more nervous ......

On another note, I've always tried to avoid sticking my arm in to clean the lower ends of the tank, I would always lower the water level to do it; can I put my arm in after washing it and rinsing well? Sounds like a surgical op! lol I always thought the oils, etc from my arm would not be good for the tank in general.

While it's true that too much physical interaction with a fish is not good for it, the occasional touch won't harm it. And I think as long as you have made sure you don't have lotion on, it's fine to stick your arm into the water. The amount of oils from your skin that would come off would be minute in comparison to the water volume. If you are really worried about that though, you can always try these: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...71&pcatid=3871
They go all the way up past your elbow, almost to the shoulder. I got a pair for when I need to handle my electric catfish and they work great.